What is the definition of data?

Beginners

Data is a term used to describe a collection of information or facts that can be analyzed and used to make decisions or draw conclusions. It can be in the form of numbers, words, images, or any other type of input that can be processed and interpreted by a computer. Data is usually stored in a computer system and can be accessed and retrieved as needed. For example, data might include information about a customer's purchase history, social media posts, or experiment results.

Intermediate

The term 'data' refers to facts, statistics, or other pieces of information that can be collected, analyzed, and interpreted to form a basis for making decisions, solving problems, or discovering new insights. Data can be in various forms, including numbers, text, images, videos, or audio recordings, and can be collected from various sources, such as surveys, experiments, observations, or databases. Understanding and interpreting data is essential in many fields, including science, business, finance, and technology, and helps individuals and organizations make informed choices and achieve their goals.

Advanced

For advanced, the term 'data' refers to a collection of raw, unorganized, and unprocessed facts, figures, or statistics that are used as a basis for calculation, reasoning, or discussion. Data can be quantitative (numbers and measurable data) or qualitative (descriptive data related to opinions, ideas, or feelings). In information technology, data refers to digital information that can be recorded, stored, and manipulated by computer software programs.